Letter: Stand firm with NATO to protect a free Ukraine
My grandfather was born in Odessa during a time of upheaval between Czarist Russia and Ukraine. In the 1900s, Mother and baby escaped to England. The family never returned to Ukraine.
My grandfather was raised in England and married my English-born grandmother. I am first-generation American. I was born before the end of World War II. For centuries, Ukraine has fought for independence and freedom.
Watching the war between Russia and Ukraine continue. I started to question. Can one man manipulate his power and invade a sovereign nation? He can and he has. History repeats itself. Free people must protest tyrants.
How is it possible for leader(s) to kill innocent men, women, children, babies, the sick and the elderly? Who justifies the bombing of schools, hospitals and strikes housing, while people sleep. What madness destroys towns and bombs farm fields and then, that leader knowingly leaves countries less fortunate with no food or grain?
What does humanity mean to our elected representative and senators? Should they continue to watch the savage hands of Communism take freedom and the breath of life from Ukraine.
Ukraine has made it clear that the country is requesting defense systems to win a war against a tyrant. They are not asking for charity. Ukraine can become a strong, free and independent Democracy.
In a World of tyrants and autocrats, Americans need to recall we were once a country with aspirations to be a free and independent nation. We won our independence.
It is my hope, Congress and the American people, stand with freedom and support Ukraine's fight for life. Stand firm with NATO.
Betty Baum
West Dundee